Creators of Second Life Launch Storytelling App

Linden Labs just launched Versu, an iOS app that puts a new spin on reading, App Newser blog announced. Versu is a hi-tech version of the "choose your own adventure" games parents might have played on the back of a cereal box. Many hope the power it gives players over the story will get kids more engaged in reading. For Jane Austen lovers, one of the scenarios gives readers a chance to recreate parts of Pride and Prejudice.

So far, there are only three other scenarios in Versu's stable, but these four offer tons of options. Users can play the game from different character perspectives, choose how their characters react, and add additional character motives. The app features detailed classic pen and ink drawings.

"No Versu story is ever the same twice," says Versu co-creator Emily Short. Versu hopes to eventually allow readers to sell their creations through their platform. The free app from the company behind the wildly popular virtual world game Second Life, is available for download through the iTunes app store.